First Day on the job with Fire

[Pindar]

So, you're a bus driver?

[Banquo's Ghost]

Well done, and I'm pleased to hear that you are enjoying the job so much!

I'm a bit concerned that your superiors would put you in such situations without appropriate training, so make sure you don't overstretch yourself through enthusiasm. But that's probably me being Euro-cautious.

Be careful. Have fun. Long may it continue.

[Reverend Joe]

You have lights on your feet.

I thought only dorky byciclists did that. (Actually, that's not entirely fair... they usually just strap flashers on their ass.)

[doc_bean]

Something I've always wondered about firemen: what's with the 24h shifts ? Is there a reason they can't work in 12h or even 8h shifts ? 'cause I ain't seeing the point...

[Divinus Arma]

Something I've always wondered about firemen: what's with the 24h shifts ? Is there a reason they can't work in 12h or even 8h shifts ? 'cause I ain't seeing the point...

Good question. There are several reasons. Fires don't last only eight hours. Some wildland fires can take days. That would be alot of overtime (and it is alot when we go on strike teams). Secondly, manpower requirements for eight hour shifts would be overwhelming. Think about it: We work 24 on, 24 off. That means one station only needs two engine companies for a total of eight guys. If we ran 8 hour shifts, we would need no less than 3 crews, and that would be with a seven day work week. Nighttime is slower, so we are just hanging around on-call or sleeping. Why pay a full time rate or overtime rate for this time? We get an on-call rate which is a little less than than the regular rate since we aren't actually "working".

Fot he type of work this is, 24 hour shifts are the way to go. I can't imagine doing this 9-5. That would be insane. With all of the gear maintenance that has to be done daily and especially after a fire, it would be overwhelming. Besides, the opportunity for an end-of-shift overtime event would triple. Instead of one changeover per day, you have three. That means three chances for an end-of-shift call and massive expenses in overtime.

It's better for organizational expense and it's a better quality of life for the crew. I love it now, and I loved it when I was an investigator in the Corps.

I hope that answers your question.

You have lights on your feet.

I thought only dorky byciclists did that. (Actually, that's not entirely fair... they usually just strap flashers on their ass.)

It's reflective tape. So we can be seen at night, especially on the highway. The camera flash made it light up.

But some guys like to stick flashlights up their ass you know. That way others can see the road in front of them when walking in a single file line. Plus it feels good.